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The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it had no intention of prohibiting the keeping of Staffordshire bull terriers.

It said in a statement: "Once EFRA’s review is complete they will then publish a report with recommendations and submit it to the Government."

The Defra statement added: "The Government considers that the prohibition on certain types of dogs forms an important part of the measures needed to tackle irresponsible ownership of dogs.

"Other important measures already in place include: an offence to allow a dog, of any type or breed, to be dangerously out of control; allowing police and local authorities to issue community protection notices to irresponsible owners whose dogs are causing low level problems; and civil law allowing courts to impose restrictions on individual dogs that are found to be dangerous."

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Peta say it is in favour of Staffies being added to the list of dog breeds covered by the legislation as it would prevent them being abused.

A statement on the group's website said: "Staffies are currently flooding UK animal shelters and have become by far the most commonly abandoned breed of dog in the country.

"They’re also one of the most abused – in fact, the RSPCA has confirmed that 80 per cent of its cruelty-to-animals prosecutions concern Staffies.

"The breed is also the most likely to be abducted and used by criminal gangs for fighting rings or as guard dogs.

""Given how vulnerable these dogs are to abuse, neglect, and abandonment, why would anyone fight the introduction of legislation that would prevent people from bringing more of them into a world that treats many so cruelly?"

The statement adds the group aren't calling for Staffies to be removed from 'loving homes' and that any legislation should allow spayed or neutered dogs to remain in their homes for the rest of their lives provided they are well cared for.